Canadian Crime Stoppers Shifts to Phone-Only Tip Reporting After Data Breach

The Canadian Crime Stoppers Association (CCSA) announced that all local chapters should now receive anonymous tips exclusively by calling 222-TIPS, ending the use of the online platform provided by U.S. firm Navigate360. The change follows a March data breach that exposed more than 1.5 million tips submitted over the past 25 years, prompting a CBC investigation and a privacy-commissioner probe.

CCSA president David J. Forster said the “interim telephone-only approach … will allow participating local programs to receive tips without using Navigate360’s P3 platform.” He added that local programs will keep new information under their control and share it securely with law enforcement, while the organization continues to press Navigate360 for answers and work to rebuild public trust.

Since the breach, more than 40 Crime Stoppers chapters and police agencies in five provinces have temporarily paused tip intake or their partnerships with the organization. Thirteen programs in Ontario and Saskatchewan have announced they will no longer accept anonymous tips in any form, while three chapters in New Brunswick, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie say they will still accept tips for other participating police services.

Police agencies have responded variably. At least 29 police units across Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and British Columbia have suspended their partnership with Crime Stoppers, whereas Calgary and Charlottetown police say they will continue using the program. The Ontario Provincial Police is pausing promotion of Crime Stoppers but will still assess tips submitted directly.

The breach has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the program, which relies on police funding for activities such as events, marketing and office space. Experts note that the loss of police support could significantly affect Crime Stoppers’ operations.

CCSA previously advised chapters to reassure the public that Navigate360’s security improvements made the platform “secure and appropriate for continued use.” The new guidance marks a shift toward a more cautious approach while investigations continue.